Wash day at 2 months post relaxer

I prepooed with VO5 Conditioner, salon Tech, olive oil and shea butter. I also added a bit of ORS replenishing conditioner (it is protein based) but because I encountered a lot of breakage during the week, I decided to give my hair a little extra treatment. I also massaged my scalp with shea butter. I covered my hair with a heat cap and slept.

I shampooed the next morning with ORS sulphate free shampoo and I was very patient enough to follow the direction. I allowed the shampoo to sit in my hair for at least 5 minutes before rinse and I did this two consecutive times. I noticed that I had less buildup in my hair. Will definitely keep up to that.

I tea rinsed with Earl Grey green tea (I always use the pour and catch method) I allowed the tea on my hair for 3 minutes before wrapping with a towel

I conditioned with crème of nature intensive conditioning treatment and Vitale olive oil hair mayonnaise under my heat cap for almost 2 hours. I don't really think it makes any difference staying for that long. But I was busy so I had to stay that long

I added honey and oil for a deeper deep conditioning

I rinsed with ACV( apple cider vinegar) after rinsing out the conditioner with cool water. I also used the pour and catch method during the rinse. I allowed the ACV sit on my hair for 5 minutes before wrapping with a t-shirt.

I loosely parted my hair into two sections to air dry. When it was 50% dry, I applied my leave in conditioner. I've notice that my leave in conditioner works best for my hair when damp.

Once dry, I sectioned into 6 and detangled, applied moisturiser and sealed with olive oil. I am 2 months post relaxer and my hair feels like I just relaxed. It was a breeze to detangle my hair. Even after using a protein deep conditioner to prepoo over night, my hair didn't feel too hard. I really noticed less breakage.

Spraying my new growth with water might just be a routine. It has really helped me deal with tangles.

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.

Protein Treatment for hair

Protein is regarded as a conditioning treatment because it can reduce static. Protein is what gives our hair strength and structure. Our hair is made up of 70% keratin protein. One of the main function is to build, Strengthen and repair hair. Keratin is the key component of our hair. Consuming the right amount of protein can also give your body what it needs to stimulate hair growth.

Over use of protein can make your hair stiff. Make sure you are balancing the use of protein treatment with moisture treatment. When your hair feels stiff, try deep conditioning with a moisture based deep conditioner on your next wash day.

It can be beneficial to incorporate protein treatment to your regimen every week for relaxed ladies. The reason is that, relaxers breaks the protein bond in the hair shaft and also ladies with color treated hair, the colour treatment compromises the protein structure, weaken the hair bond and this can lead to breakage. The stronger the relaxer and the longer the relaxer is left on the hair, the more protein bonds is been broken and the weaker the hair shaft. For this reason, I lengthen the time between relaxer application, relaxing every 12 to 14 weeks and also, applying relaxer on just the new growth, I am always time cautious, trying not to exceed 15 minutes on application.

Protein ingredients

Collagen is one of the few proteins to provide a lot of Proline, one of the more abundant amino acids in the cuticle - good for improving elasticity in hair that snaps and breaks easily and feels mushy when wet - like wet fabric instead of wet fiber. It is a hydrating protein, small to medium size and substantive. Collagen amino acids are smaller still. Gelatin is partly hydrolyzed collagen and therefore contains medium to large protein constituents and is both hydrating and film-forming.

Wheat provides abundant Cystine - but it is not necessarily the same Cystine as in hair. If it can function similarly to the cystine in hair, wheat protein is superb. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is fairly large and therefore more of a film-forming, porosity-filling protein.

Oat protein is both hydrating and conditioning and also film forming and porosity-filling. Some versions of hydrolyzed oats are engineered to be medium-sized, but you cannot always know if that is what is in your product.

Soy protein. Even though soy protein is a medium-size protein, it may not have the hydrating power of the other proteins. It's amino acid complement is more abundant in amino acids which are not as abundant in human hair. Soy protein is a small-medium size for conditioning. 

Corn protein is often combined with other proteins. Corn protein has small-medium size for conditioning and hydrating.

Keratin Human hair-source keratin is even more similar to the protein in your own hair. Keratin is a small-to-medium protein so it has hydrating and conditioning potential and 6 amino acids naturally abundant in the cuticle of your hair.

Silk protein is a smaller protein and mostly hydrating and conditioning.

©Science-y Hair Blog 2013

Your hair condition will determine the type of protein needed for your hair. For natural hair, protein treatments are not needed occasionally but if heat is used frequently, you may want to consider using protein at least once in a month. The hair's current condition will decide the type of protein conditioner. Below is a sample of each type of protein conditioner.

Reconstructors: for severely damaged hair

1. ApHogee keratin two minute reconstructor

2. ApHogee 2 step protein treatment

3. Crème of nature conditioning reconstructor.

Deep penetrating treatment: moderately damaged hair

1. ORS hair mayonnaise

2. African's best olive oil hair mayonnaise

Light protein treatment: for light damage and routine treatment

1. ORS replenishing conditioner

2. Vitale olive oil hair mayonnaise.

5 ways to prevent thinning edges

Thinning edges are absolutely the worst. As much as you try to hide it, it seems difficult. Your hair looks so unhealthy. But if your edges are in place, you definitely have little worries. Most reasons of thinning edges are caused by us. For some of us, we are aware that most things we do to our hair are all wrong but for the beauty of it, we tend to ignore. In all, Ignorance and negligence is the culprit of thinning edges.

If you have noticed that your edges are becoming to thin out, here are some tips on getting them back.

1. Avoid tight braids that pull your edges

Braids do have the advantage of over manipulation but when pulled too tight, it can cause thinning edges. Tell your hair stylist to be careful when dealing with your edges and also after undoing a set of braids, give your hair some breathing space to take care of your hair before putting on another.

2. Avoid tight ponytails

When we wear ponytails, we always like them to be sleek and a tight ponytail can achieve this but what about your edges? If you like a sleek appearance on ponytail, use an alcohol-free gel on your edges and tame them down with a scarf. And also, try switching up your styles and not consistently pulling up your hair in a position.

3. Avoid excessive brushing

You always want to tame those edges down with your brush but your edges might be thinning. So you have to be careful.

4. Use of bonet/ head bands.

Satin bonet are very essential to sleep with but if the elastic is too tight, it can create bald spot. Try pulling it down further or over your ears. Headbands can also be damaging if they are too tight. So try to figure out how much your edges can take.

5. Sleeping on a cotton pillow case

Start sleeping on a satin pillow case instead of a cotton pillow case. Reason been that the cotton pillow case absorbs the natural oils out from your hair. And the friction between your hair and the cotton pillow case can lead to breakage. Thinning edges needs those natural oils, so tamper them with care.

To recap it all, thinning edges can be an embarrassing situation if you find yourself in one and you might be tempted to try covering it up as much as you can but the truth is, you need to forget the embarrassment and deal with problem because you may not be able to always run away from it. And what is the point hiding the problem when it can be dealt with?

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.

Garlic for hair loss and shedding

Garlic can help fight hair loss, shedding and promote hair growth.

Garlic contains essential elements including sulfur, copper, vitamin C, selenium, and minerals that are highly beneficial for hair growth. The copper in garlic promotes hair growth, thickens your hair, and intensifies hair color. To treat a deficiency of any of the above mentioned elements you can rely absolutely on wonderful, versatile garlic.

You may be wondering how one uses garlic for hair, there are several ways you can use garlic for hair growth and nourishment:

• Add it to your shampoo/conditioner

The easiest thing that we usually change for hair growth is shampoo. Add garlic to your shampoo then use it on your hair. Honey is a great conditioner, you can add garlic juice to honey. The honey will nourish your hair and the garlic promotes hair growth. To reduce the odor you can add ginger, which also possesses some great minerals to nourish your hair.

PS: Don’t use garlic shampoo more than twice a month, overuse will dry your hair and scalp.

• With coconut oil

The next time you massage your hair with coconut oil, add some garlic juice to it. Simply crush a few garlic cloves and mix with one teaspoon coconut oil, heat the mixture for a few minutes and stir well. Let it cool then apply to your scalp and massage. Repeat 2-3 times a week for best results.

• Rub it in

About an hour before bed tear a garlic clove and rub it on the areas of hair loss. Wait an hour then massage your scalp using olive oil. Cover your hair using a cap or hood and sleep, wash your hair upon waking. The repeated process is likely to regrow your hair.

• With olive oil

Keep garlic pods in a bottle of olive oil for a week or so to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Apply the oil to your hair and scalp at night before you go to sleep. Wash your hair the next morning.

• Direct application

You can crush garlic and apply the juices directly to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing with shampoo and conditioner.

• Garlic oil

You can purchase a garlic infusion oil in the market. Natural oil of garlic is better if you can find it. If not, here is how to make it yourself:

Chop the garlic finely and soak in olive oil for at least two weeks. You can use almond oil instead if you prefer. Refrigerate between uses to prevent spoilage.

Source: Positivemed.com

I actually incoporated garlic into my hair regimen during my last wash day. I washed my hair with sulphate shampoo to remove banana and avocado that was stucked on my hair. I now have an avocado and banana stuck free hair.

I used direct application. I blended the garlic and added little water. I used a net like strainer to avoid stuck on my hair. I still used handkerchief to drain out the water because that was all i needed.

Blended garlic before using strainer.

I applied the garlic directly on my scalp, then prepooed with conditioner and oil on the length of my hair. I covered with a heat cap and slept.

Washed my hair the next day and proceeded with my usual regimen

I felt a tingling sensation after application and the smell of garlic is quite unbearable. You can use the olive oil method if you cannot stand the smell of garlic or preferably coconut oil method since coconut oil has a very nice smell.

I noticed less Shedded hair after all processes. I will keep incorporating this into my regimen before every wash day.

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna

WASH DAY GONE WRONG/ DIY Avocado and banana deep conditioner

Good morning ladies,

I have read a lot of great reviews about using avocados and bananas as deep conditioners for thick hair. Bananas helps to import shine, soften hair and moisturises. The same advantage goes with avocado. But the oils in avocados are one of the few that can penetrate the curticles and actually moisturise hair so this moisture remains on the hair after it has been rinsed out. Who doesn't want such moisture and shine for a thick hair?

So last weekend, I decided I was going to give this a try. "I need this shine" I said to myself. So I bought one avocado and a bunch of banana bit I only used two out of it. I was too lazy to update. I am sorry for the late update.

I used soft, ripe avocados because they are easier to work with. I mixed the banana and and avocados in the blender. Added little water amd mixed. And because I didn't want to have stuck on my hair, I used a strainer with net like openings to separate whatever that would have gotten stucked on my hair but I was too impatient, I forced it through with my fingers and I was left with this

I thought this was the only thing that could stuck my hair without realising that if you force it through, you'll forced the lumps through. So I proceeded.

I did a prepoo treatment with VO5 Conditioner, salon Tech, ORS replenishing conditioner, Shea butter and olive oil

Washed with ORS hairepair invigorating shampoo

Teas rinsed with Earl Grey green tea and towel dried for 15 minutes

Applied the mashed avocado and banana to my hair

I covered my hair with a heat cap for 30 minutes and proceed with rinsing it out. And that was it! I couldn't get it all out. I rinsed and rinsed but yet to no avail. I didn't want to re-wash my hair so I wrapped with a t-shirt  fo 30 minutes before I began removing all the fruit stuck from my hair

This was 30 minutes after struggling to remove the avocado and banana stuck in my hair. You really do no want to see that tired face. (winks*) 

I promised my hair I wasn't going to comb for a period of 4 weeks. I would rather finger detangle but I broke my rule and my hair wasn't happy with me. I do not comb my hair when it is wet unless 90% dry.

I was able to remove alot with comb at least the visible ones. And that was it. No more!!! I am not going to do this again. It was 4.pm already and I started at exactly 8.am in the morning. Did I spend the whole day on 1 hair?

I washed my hair with a sulphate shampoo after a week and I used garlic on my hair for scalp massage before washing. That will be on my next update

I got the shiny hair I was craving for with lots of banana and avocado stuck😊. Thanks to DIY I think I'll let the product do it next time or be more patient if I have to do this again. But until then, Product please♡

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.

Health/ white meat vs red meat

Is eating red meat bad for your health?

Some years ago, the relationship between eating red meat and early death was reported and nurses who provided dietary histories were followed for up to 28 years and nearly 24,000 people died during the long period of follow up. Researchers estimated that avoiding one serving of red

meat a day by eating fish, poultry or low fat dairy would lower the risk of dying by 7-19%.

Eating beef products loaded with cholesterol and saturated fat is a good way to increase both your waist line and diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and asthma. Fats and cholesterol found in steak is not the only components that is bad for the heart. According to

researchers, another substance have been found that can clog the arteries. This substance is called carnitine and this substance hardens the arteries when bacteria in the gut breaks down. Although, carnitine is also found in fish, poultry and some vegetables, it's main food source is red meat. So, before eating red meat, think twice and live longer.

Medical practitioners have started to encourage the use of white meat due to its tremendous benefits in comparison to red meat. If you are a weight conscious person trying to prevent obesity, then white meat is the right thing to consume thus, preventing those extra calories because it has a lower level of cholesterol. Fish can protect a person from heart disease because it lowers the number of fats in the blood. Omega 3 fatty acid are present in fish and are a major solution to depression and excellent for brain function. Fish consumption is a remedial measure to arthritis.

Now, ask yourself:

White meat or red meat??

Which should one eat??

Which one is healthier??

With love, Martyna.

My Hair Staples / Regimen

Hello, good morning.
Today, I decided to share with you my hair staple. These are what works for me so far. It is nice to experiment with products to know what really works for you because what works for me might not really work for others. But you just have to try it to know. There are lots of products online with great reviews that might not work for you. So if you eventually get what works for you, stick to it.

1. Conditioner

●ORS replenishing conditioner and Vitale olive oil hair mayonnaise (protein deep conditioner)

●VO5 Herbal essence and salon tech ( light conditioners for co-washing)

●Crème of nature intensive conditioning treatment and Organics by African's best olive oil Deep conditioner ( moisturising deep conditioners)

2. Shampoo

●Organics by Africa's best stimulating therapy shampoo (sulphate shampoo)

●ORS hairepair invigorating shampoo (sulphate free shampoo)

3. Moisturiser/ leave-in conditioner

●Organics by Africa's best Cholesterol Tea-tree oil (leave-in conditioner)

●Luster's Scurl no drip moisturiser and Soft and beautiful Botanicals (moisturiser)

4. Oils

Olive oil and shea butter

5. Hair gels

Eco styler gel and ORS olive oil edge control

6. Hair rinse

●Green tea rinse

●Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.

7. Relaxer

ORS olive oil crème relaxer and petroleum jelly

REGIMEN

Wash days

1. I co-wash my hair every other week when I am not washing with a sulfate free shampoo. On shampoo days, I either do a Hot oil treatment or pre-poo before washing.

2. To reduce breakage and shedding, I tea rinse with green tea after shampooing my hair.

3. I deep condition, mixing protein deep conditioner with moisturising deep conditioner in the same proportion. But if my hair feels too soft, I use of the protein conditioner or i use more of the deep conditioner when it feels too strong. I also add oil and honey when deep conditioning.

4. I rinse my hair with Apple cider vinegar every two weeks

5. I apply leave in conditioner after every wash days.

6. I clarify my hair every 4 to 6 weeks to remove build ups.

Daily

I moisturise, using either Luster's Scurl no drip moisturiser or soft and beautiful Botanicals and seal with an oil (shea butter and olive oil). I do this nightly and sleep with a heat cap or satin scarf.

Styling

I am always on protective styles especially buns. This is when gel comes in handy. I use it to tame my edges down.

On days when my hair feels too dry, I spray my hair with water and cover with my heat cap.

I comb my hair on wash days and detangle with my fingers daily.

Relaxing

I relax my hair every 12 to 16 weeks. I base my scalp with petroleum jelly before applying relaxer to my hair.

I also mix the quantity of relaxer I will be using with two teaspoon full of olive oil.

I like to have more textures on my hair so I am always time cautious.

I also coat my hair with conditioner (not my new growth). It will help protect my hair from relaxer run off.

With love, Martyna.

Wash day/ Green tea rinse.

1. Parted my hair into four sections and applied hot oil (shea butter and olive oil) to the scalp and length of my hair. Weaved each section into four braids after application. Covered hair with a heat cap until the next day

2. Shampooed my hair with warm water, using ORS hairepair invigorating shampoo (2x). Rinsed lastly wash with cold water.

3. Tea rinsed using green tea ( earl grey). I left the tea to brew overnight. Wrapped my hair with a towel for 30 minutes.

4. Deep conditioned with crème of nature intensive conditioning treatment and Vitale olive oil hair mayonnaise under my heat cap for 30 minutes.

5. After rinsing out the condtioner with cold water, I rinsed my hair with Apple Cider Vinegar before wrapping my hair with a T-shirt for 30 minutes.

6. I applied my leave-in conditioner and air dried my hair.

7. I applied moisturiser using Luster's Scurl the drip moisturiser to my hair the next day and sealed with olive oil and shea butter. I made sure I focused on my new growth. 

This is what my hair looks like the next day after applying the moisturiser and sealing.

In all, I am so happy with the result. Less breakage and tangles. My hair came out fluffy and smooth.

My hair felt soft and tangle free after rinsing with the green tea. And I guess that was what led to less shedding. This will definitely be a weekly regimen.

Shedded hair after moisturising and sealing.

Products used 

I will moisturise and seal nightly and try to keep up with scalp massage. I have been so lazy to do that.

Have in mind that Low manipulation is the key to having healthy hair. Always take care of your ends. They are the oldest part.

With love, Martyna.

Health challenge/ warm lemon water every morning for 30 days

BENEFITS
1. Aids digestion

2. Boosts your immune system

3. Cleanses your system.

4. Clears Skin ( kills some bacterial known to cause acne and decreases wrinkles).

5. Aids in weight loss.

HOW TO
Wash the lemon in salt water.

Use a quarter sized amount in a glass of warm water.

Drink it down first thing in the morning before meal and before workout.

LEMON CHALLENGE
Look through the benefits listed above and find one benefit that will motivate you to start incorporating lemon  water into your daily life for 30 days

Try to understand the changes that occurs during this period

Let us know what you experienced.

With love, Martyna.

Benefits of green tea rinse

Green tea has been known worldwide for a lot of health benefits. Green tea is loaded with polyphenols like catechins and flavonoids which functions as powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant in green tea may help lower the risk of various kind of cancer. Green tea may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease including heart diseases and stroke, and will help you lose weight and lower the risk of becoming obese.

Benefits of green tea rinse

Green tea is also a good source of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Panthenol. Vitamin E restores damaged hair. Vitamin C guides against damage form UV radiation. Panthenol strengthens, softens hair and prevents split ends.

Green tea are helpful in stimulating growth. When used as a rinse, it is also said to condition the hair.

Green tea is said to be very effective in treating and curing certain scalp problems such as dandruff and dry scalp.

The caffeine in green tea blocks the hormone (DHT: dihydrotestosterone) that causes shedding.

How to use green tea rinse

Boil a glass of water and add two tea bag. For stronger potency, allow to steep in hot water for a longer period.

You can use your green tea instead of conditioner but it depends on the condition of your hair. Since green tea helps soften hair, you might want to use a protein conditioner afterwards.

STEPS

After shampooing your hair, rinse thoroughly with water then squeeze the excess water  before using the green tea. Leave on for 5 minutes or wrap with a towel.

If your hair feels too soft, apply a protein conditioner, cover with a heat cap for at least 30 minutes.  But if otherwise, mix the protein conditioner with a moisturising deep conditioner.

Rinse afterwards with water. Wrap hair with T-shirt to absorb excess water, air dry or blow dry using low heat.

With love, Martyna.

Benefits of Hot oil treatment

There are so many things we have to keep up to ensure a healthy hair. Co-Washing, pre-poo, deep conditioning treatment, protein treatments, black and green tea rinse, Apple cider rinse. Is it really worth it? Yes it is worth it. Because each of these has its own benefits and for you to grow longer and healthier hair, you have to break that bond keeping you at same length.

Hot oil treatment should be part of your hair regime. I would recommend doing this before every wash day especially for those with damaged hair.

Why do I need this hot oil treatment?

There are so many importance attached to using this treatment. Such as:

1. Because it has a conditioning effect to the hair and scalp, it can restore hair to a very good condition. This will be very essential for those with damaged hair. 

2. It reduces frizzy hair and gives our hair full body and bounce.

3. If you use chemicals on your hair or heat such as straightner, curling iron etc. A Hot oil treatment will infuse moisture to the hair shaft by penetrating into  the hair and help heal damage.

4. Our scalp also feel moisturised and our hair feels shiny and soft.

How to do a hot oil treatment

A hot oil treatment is very easy. All you will need is:

●Any oils of your choice (shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil).

●  Boiled water

Mix the oils of your choice together in a container,  boil some water in a separate container, let the mixture sit on the water for about 5 minutes.

Part your hair into four or six sections and begin application, focusing on the scalp and ends, massage into the hair.

Cover your hair with a plastic cap. If possible, keep it on till the next day but weave the parted hair. Or you can sit under a hooded dryer for 15 to 30 minutes. The heat form the hooded dryer will help open your cuticles and allow oils to penetrate.

Wash your hair with a shampoo and condition afterwards.

Everyone can benefit from a hot oil treatment. Be it natural, transitioning, texlaxed, dyed hair. Hot oil treatment will help your hair recover form a lot of damages.

With love, Martyna

Product Review/ Dove damage therapy intensive repair conditioner.

Price/N1800

If you are the ingredient conscious kind of lady when purchasing hair product. You'll definitely give this condition a 4.8/5. Reason being that  it contains ingredients that are very helpful to the hair. The first ingredient is water which is normal for all conditioners. But the ingredients of interest to me are:

1. Cetearyl Alcohol: Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty alcohols are derived from animals, plants or oils. They are used as emulsifiers (mixes oil and water in hair products so doesn't separate from other ingredients). Good alcohols are beneficial to hair because they add moisture by drawing water to the hair.

2. Behentrimonium Chloride:  it conditions, detangles . Fights static, softens, restores and rebuild damaged hair. It doesn't coat but penetrates the hair shaft for potent conditioning effect. It gives hair slip as you detangle. 

3. Glycerin: Glycerine is a humectant. It pulls moisture into the hair and retains it.

There are other great ingredients below but among the first 7, these 3 are of importance to me. If you are looking out for good conditioners, fatty alcohols and humectant are of great importance. Other fatty alcohols you can find in products include Cetyl Alcohol, Stearly Alcohol and lauryl alcohols.

Panthenol, honey and glycerine are all humectants and whatever draws moisture into your hair and has the ability to retain it will definitely help in conditioning your hair.

Ingredients that also help to ensure easy detangling is a must have ingredients in conditioners. A good conditioner should give you that slip when detangling.

This was the first conditioner I bought when I started my hair journey and YES it did what it said. I was struggling with knots and tangles but it was of great help.

And for my transitioning hair, this conditioner has really been helpful in preventing tangles at the line of demarcation.

Direction: massage through hair strands, focusing more on the tips. Leave for 1 minute. Rinse off.

It is a rinse out conditioner, so you don't have to leave on for 30 minutes for maximum result But because I like my conditioner on for a longer period, I sometimes add honey and olive oil and leave on for 10-20 minutes.

At the back of this conditioner has a damage  symptom table where it indicates that the conditioner helps for intensive damage (Breakage, split ends and hair fall). But for me, it really help my hair curb breakage and split ends. I have never suffered form hair fall so I cannot tell if it worked in that aspect.

Will I purchase again? Yes Yes and Yes. 

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.

Where to purchase hair products in Port Harcourt.

1. Eco styler gel. (N990)

2. Vital olive oil hair mayonnaise (N950)

3. Twinings Earl Grey. (N700)

4. Crème of nature Argan oil intensive conditioning treatment. (N1400)

5. Luster's S curl no drip moisturiser. (N2999).

I had almost emptied my deep conditioner so I had to rush down to the mall to purchase another. I went from one shopping mall to another in search of a deep conditioner but couldn't find. Then I eventually decided to go to SPAR. I bought the green tea there, but couldn't find other needed products.

Angrily, I walked out and decided to survey other shops in the mall. Someone directed me to Casabella. Menh you need to see me smiling when I entered Casabella and every thing I was searching for were all screaming..... "buy me" (lol).

If you are based in Port Harcourt and in search of where to buy good products, Casabella might just be the answer.

Casabella is located at Nnamdi Azikiwe Road (Besides Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt. Or call 08172012397 to confirm the availability of the products you want to purchase before going. 

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.

Skin/ Toners

A toner is usually applied after cleansing, to pick up residues left behind from cleansing.

There are lots of toners in the market that promises to do alot of things and at the end you will just end up regretting why you bought them.

I have tried so hard to study my skin, so as understand what my skin needs. I have had a lot of breakouts during my uni days and the worst came up during my service year.

A lot of factors can aggravate acne. Stress, diet, hormones, lotions etc. So you have to be careful of what you use and of course sleep for at least 8 hours for the stressful days.

In controlling the acne on my face, I've used various kinds of cleansers,  toners, face mask, scrubs, lotions contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid just to find a solution to the problem. But today, I'll be focusing more on toners.

Toners are used for various reasons. And you have to know what your skin problem is to enable you know how to solve them so you wouldn't end up saying "I which I had known". There are toners that helps reduce large pores. So if your skin is suffering from such, you should go for toners containing ingredients such as glycolic acid at least 2%. But if you are having skin problems such as acne, you should look out for toners containing ingredient such as salicylic acid at least 0.5%. I have not tried any toner containing benzoyl perioxide. I don't know if there is any. But I am sure you can get lotions containing benzoyl peroxide such as panoxyl 10, clearex 10, Oxy 10. If you have an acne skin, go for lotions and makeups that are non-comedogenic.

Toners come in different forms, some toners are astringents containing alcohols, some are for sensitive skins, oily skins, dry skin. Astringents are harsh on sensitive skins. They are mostly used on acne prone skin that are less sensitive. I have used some astringents from Neutrogena. Most people will advice avoiding harsh toners on the face. But this toner worked so well for me. Firstly it started with drying the acne on my face and then my face began to peel. On peeling it, It unveiled a smoother skin. But because it was harsh on my skin, I discontinued. 

Price/ N1250

I also used another neutrogena toner. This toner promised to reduce appearance of pores. And though I was quick to give it a try, I was also quick to stop using it. It didn't work for me. But it may possibly work for other skin so if you don't mind giving it a try, I will advice you use at night or if you want to use during the day, protect your skin form sun by using a SPF cream to avoid burns.

price/ N1350

I also tried another toner also from Neutrogena and it promised to visibly eliminate the blackhead on my face. I wasn't pleased with it at all. I was patient enough to use up a bottle but it wasn't a keeper.

price/ 900 to 1000 naira. I am not certain. 

After my long use of neutrogena, I decided to try clean and clear. Clean and clear also produces nice toners for oily skin. I went for the blackhead clearing cleanser.

price/ N950

The toner promises to gently remove impurities like oil, dirts, and dead cells trapped deep in the pores and help prevent blackhead. It contains salicylic acid but the percentage is not indicated. I didn't want a harsh toner like the previous two I tried and this was nice. I like the feeling I get after applying the toner. This might be a staple. But it's not up to two weeks I started applying this toner so I cannot really tell for sure if it clears blackhead.

Toners are necessary for everyone especially for ladies who wear makeup. Most makeups tends to clog your pores and this can lead to skin problems. So your skin should be cleansed before bedtime to remove excess dirts from the skin.

If you have not invested in one, you should definitely do so. You are never going to regret.

Love always, Martyna.

Product review/ ORS HAIRepair Invigorating Shampoo

I have used a lot of ORS products in the past and present. My hair is becoming a lover of their product but this product gave my hair a different and better feel.

It is very difficult to find sulphate free shampoos in Port Harcourt but fortunately on that very day I went shopping for my hair products, I saw a sulphate free shampoo and I was like really? *Just a feeling though*. This has been a major problem for me because I have been left with no other options than to dilute my sulphate shampoos with water.

There was only 2 of this left in store and I was quick to grab them.

Price/ 1100 Naira  for each

The product says it is a sulphate free shampoo with rosemary and mint for dry hair and scalp. I guess that was why I was quick to grab it. (Any product for dry hair and scalp is my baby) *wink*.

Direction

Wet hair thoroughly. Apply to hair and work into a rich lather. Rinse hair and repeat shampoo, leaving on hair 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly and towel dry, condition.

My Review/ Steps 

I took a different step in applying mine. I did a hot oil treatment prior to washing with the shampoo so it didn't lather much. It's normal to feel so since it is not a sulphate based shampoo. But during my second wash I felt a minty sensation on my scalp. And I like the fact that it didn't dry out my hair Moisture. My hair felt so free and soft. I almost felt like combing my hair but I don't comb my hair when it's wet. My hair wouldn't like such malhandling. In all, it was a good shampoo and definitely a staple.

I followed up with conditioning my hair. I mixed my moisture deep condtioner and protein deep conditioner together. Time wasn't my friend so I couldn't do one at a time. I covered my hair as usual with a heat cap then rinsed after 30 minutes. My hair felt so soft and strong (balanced).

Lastly, when my hair was damp, I sprayed with ACV, wrapped my hair with a T-shirt to absorb excess water.

I am really aiming for a day when I will detangle my hair without any strand pulling off. But gradually with all my treatments, my hair gets better every wash day. Green tea is next in line. And as usual, I'll update you on how it went.

Thanks for reading.

Love always, Martyna.